Miami, FL — Known for his sharp technical mind, calm discipline, and ability to translate combat principles into real-world effectiveness, Emiliano Calderón has steadily built a reputation as one of the most respected Muay Thai and MMA coaches working in South Florida today. This year, his name gained even greater recognition after leading a specialized tactical training program for the Miami-Dade School Police Department, hosted at Boxr Gym in Miami.
The initiative marked a new chapter in Calderón’s career — one that blends martial arts mastery with community service and public safety. Working alongside other experienced coaches and the gym’s owner, Emiliano designed and conducted a hands-on tactical training session focused on practical combat strategies for high-pressure law enforcement situations. The class placed strong emphasis on control, restraint, and situational awareness, teaching officers how to neutralize threats without unnecessary force, while maintaining safety for both the officers and the public.
The workshop quickly proved successful. Officers from the Miami-Dade School Police Department responded with enthusiasm, praising Calderón’s professionalism, clarity, and methodical teaching approach. Many participants highlighted how the training bridged the gap between traditional martial arts and real-world defensive tactics. As a result, the department expressed interest in continuing and expanding the collaboration, integrating similar sessions into their ongoing officer preparation programs.
For Calderón, this project represents the culmination of nearly two decades of dedication to martial arts. His journey began at just sixteen years old, in Castelar, Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he started training at Dojo Serpiente under the guidance of seasoned Muay Thai instructors. What began as a teenage passion soon turned into a lifelong pursuit. Through years of intense training and competition, he built a solid foundation in Kickboxing and Muay Thai, disciplines that demanded not only physical endurance but also mental sharpness and emotional control. Those same qualities would later define his approach as a coach.
After achieving success as both a competitor and trainer in Argentina, Calderón realized that his true calling was teaching. Sharing his knowledge, refining techniques, and shaping fighters became more than just a profession — it became his identity. In 2020, determined to expand his career and gain international experience, he relocated to Florida, United States, where he continued his professional development under Gregory Choplin, a multiple-time Muay Thai world champion known for his elite technical background and leadership in the sport.
Under Choplin’s mentorship, Emiliano evolved from being a skilled fighter into a comprehensive coach, capable of training not only professional MMA and Muay Thai athletes but also adapting those same principles for non-competitive purposes such as self-defense and law enforcement. His ability to translate the discipline and respect of martial arts into practical lessons has made him a sought-after figure among both fighters and organizations.
The collaboration with the Miami-Dade School Police Department stands as proof of that versatility. By applying Muay Thai’s emphasis on control, timing, and body mechanics, Calderón has created training systems that go beyond sport — helping officers make better decisions under pressure while minimizing risks of harm. “Emiliano’s work shows that martial arts can go far beyond competition,” said one of the organizers at Boxr Gym. “He’s teaching skills that can truly make a difference in how officers protect and serve their communities.”
Today, Emiliano Calderón continues to coach and mentor athletes at Boxr Gym, while also expanding his work with tactical and community training initiatives across Miami. His philosophy remains rooted in the same principles that first drew him to martial arts: discipline, respect, and control. Through his evolving career, he demonstrates that the lessons of the ring — patience, awareness, and precision — can make a meaningful impact far beyond combat sports, influencing how individuals respond to challenge, conflict, and the responsibility to protect others.